Hello Gloria Dei,
I’ve thought about this many times, and I’ve come to the conclusion that it is just too hard to choose one chapter in the whole bible as my favorite. But I can say that if I had to choose just one, it just might be Luke 15.
Last weekend we kicked off our fall preaching series called “Made For…” We focused on the theme of Praise and Worship of God. We are all made for Praise and Worship of God.
This week our theme is “Made For Being Found”. And Luke 15 is the text we will read. I invite you to read it. Within this chapter, Jesus tells three parables all about being lost and found… the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Lost Sons (Prodigal Son). These three parables all point to the reality that God searches, seeks, and finds those who are lost. And furthermore, God rejoices when the lost are found.
In fact, one of Gloria Dei’s Core Values is that we are “A Luke 15 Congregation.” As a Luke 15 congregation we confess, first of all, that we are all equals at the foot of the cross. We are all in need of God’s love, forgiveness, and grace… each and every day. We all get lost, and we all have a God who sets out with love to find us.
And furthermore, as a Luke 15 congregation we, as the body of Christ on earth, will never stop bringing a word of grace and love to those who don’t yet know Jesus. If lost people matter to God, and they do, then lost people matter to us. It is a core value on which we will never compromise.
Come to worship and be welcomed by a God who never stops looking for you and pursuing you… a God who runs out to meet you with the words “Welcome Home.”
Fitting this theme, we have Membership Sessions starting this Sunday, September 15. We ask, if possible, that those interested in membership or more information about Gloria Dei, attend two sessions. Classes are available on Sundays and/or Wednesdays. Please see the schedule and times below.
In addition, I’d like to remind all of you that we have Adult Education opportunities happening. Some continue year-round, and others are getting started this fall semester. Check out the Adult Ed offerings here.
See you in worship
Pastor Tim
